Close-up photographic system

ABSTRACT

A simple relatively inexpensive &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;close-up&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; device or system for easily and accurately photographing, at short range, such subjects as book illustrations, drawings, letters, flowers, various small objects, etc. The system is primarily intended to permit the employment therein, optionally, of either of two widely used, low-priced, self-processing cameras, of types manufactured by Polaroid Corporation, in conjunction with novel mounting-stand means. The latter cooperates with recessed channeled portions of the camera back to enable firm and correct mounting of the camera. A combined supplemental close-up lens and photocell aperture-reducing element, a flash unit, a colorcorrection filter, and light-polarizing means for reducing reflected glare are included in the system.

United States Patent [1 1 [111 3,709,119 Van Der Meer [4 1 Jan. 9, 1973[541 CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHIC SYSTEM 3,447,433 6/1969 Wick et a1 .95/11 R[75] Inventor: Jan Van Der Meer, Enschede,

Netherlands [22] Filed: April 16, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 134,679

[52] U.S. Cl ..95/ll R, 95/86, 355/18 [51] Int. Cl. ..G03b 19/02 [58]Field of Search ..95/ll R, 13, 44 R, 86,10 C; 355/18, 39

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,228,283 1/1966 Fulton etal ..95/l1 R N 932 ,8 15 6/1910 Kaufmann ..95/86 2,277,448 3/1942Munsinger ..355/39 3,425,326 2/1969 Von Wasielewski ..95/l0 C 3,246,5854/1966 Scudder ..95/10C 3,067,664 12/1962 Winslow ..95/44 R 2,926,5773/1960 Albrecht .95/44 R 3,049,968 8/1962 Johanson 95/44 R X 3,396,6498/1968 Bishop etal ..95/86 2,697,961 12/1954 Casselman et al. ..95/86 XPrimary ExaminerSamuel S. Matthews Assistant Examiner-Kenneth C.Hutchison Attorney-Brown & Mikulka, William D. Roberson and Robert L.Berger [5 7] ABSTRACT camera back to enable firm and correct mountingofthe camera. A combined supplemental close-up lens and photocellaperture-reducing element, a flash unit, a color-correction filter, andlight-polarizing means for reducing reflected glare are included in thesystem.

23 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures INVENTOR. JAN VAN DER MEER lzown wrwl 77MATTORNEYS l. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to ashort-range or close-up system for widening the availability to peopleof limited ability or means of photographic apparatus capable ofproducing high-quality original prints or copy material. This isrendered possible because of the simplicity, excellent performance andrelative inexpensiveness of the equipment involved.

2. Description of the Prior Art I The system of the present inventioncontemplates the employment of well-known self-processing featuresassociated with cameras and film materials manufactured by PolaroidCorporation, whereby a finished print may be produced within a matter ofa few seconds following the photographic exposure.

Camera and copying apparatus which, conceivably may be considered asrelating in certain respects to the subject invention are described indetail in US. Pat. Nos. 3,143,941; 3,270,652; 3,396,649 and 3,498,197,all of which are assigned to Polaroid Corporation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to thedevising of a versatile photographic system or device for original andcopy work which is less cumbersome, operationally simpler and lessexpensive than comparable systems. Accordingly, the scope of suchmethods of photography is believed to be considerably widened andenhanced through its introduction. Basically, the system comprises areadily available low-cost camera and associated film material capableof producing blackand-white pictures in a few seconds and color printsin approximately I minute. More specifically, the system embodies eitherof the film-pack cameras designated Colorpack II and Colorpack 80", soldby Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass., U.S.A. The camera utilizedemploys a photocell and transistorized shutter-diaphragm means forautomatically controlling correct exposure under various lightingconditions. In conjunction therewith are provided supplemental lensmeans for close-up photography of such subjects as book illustrationsand printed matter, letters, memos, flowers, geological or organicspecimens, etc. Flash means, associated glare-reducing polarizingfilters and a color-correction filter are included to provide a roundedcapability. A mounting stand adapted to ready attachment and correctalign,- ment of the camera, without requiring any structural changes inthe latter, completes the system.

In accordance with the foregoing considerations, ob jects of theinvention are to provide an inexpensive and efficient system forperforming close-up photography; to provide a simple low-cost copycamera assembly adapted to wide usage; to provide a mounting-standadapted to cooperate with standard portions of a conventionalself-processing camera for predeterminedly suspending the latter above asubject to be photographed; to provide a mounting-stand and cooperatingmeans for centering the optical axis of a camera mounted thereon withrespect to a subject framing area; to provide a mounting-stand, theangularlydisposed feet of which form a framing area'for positioningtherein a photographic subject; to provide a closeup system of thecharacter described comprising supplemental lens, flash means, photocellcontrol, and color-correction components; and to provide amounting-stand, as described, embodying an adjustable upright orpedestal component.

Other objects of the invention willin part be obvious and will in partappear hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The novel features that are consideredto be characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularityin the the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as toits organization and its method of operation, together with additionalobjects and advantages thereof will best be understood from thefollowing description of the preferred embodiment when read inconnection with the accompanying drawing wherein like numbers have'beenemployed in the different figures to denote the same parts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the camera andmounting-stand of the invention, in assembled relation;

FIG. 2 is a similar view of the mounting-stand only;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic fragmentary view of a modification of themounting-stand upright or pedestal of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of the camera component;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the camera intended to be mounted in themounting-stand of this invention; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of several supplementalcomponents of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The close-up photographic device or system 10 ofthe invention is illustrated in operative condition, relative to aphotographic subject 12, in FIG. 1. Basically, it includes themountingstand 14 and the camera 16. The mounting-stand, shown above inFIG. 2, comprises a base 18 composed of the supporting feet 18a, 18b and180, an upright or pedestal 20, a lateral arm 22 and a substantiallyflat plate 24 for suspending camera 16 therefrom. Mounting-stand 14 may,appropriately, be formed of a plurality of square steel tubular members,the parts being soldered or welded together to provide a strong rigidassemblage. Between the feet 18 is formed a framing-area 25 ofpredetermined dimensions.

While the rigidity and strength insured by the foregoing structure aredesirable features, it would be possible to provide an adjustablepedestal 26, partially shown in FIG. 3, to vary the magnificationcharacteristics of the system, as discussed below. The pedestal 26comprises telescoping members 26a and 26b, and an adjusting thumb-screw28, the tip of which is adapted to enter any of a plurality ofpredeterminedly spaced depressions 30 formed in member 26b.

The camera 16, as shown in FIG. 4, and which may be considered ascomprising an aforementioned Colorpack camera sold by PolaroidCorporation, comprises a back member or section 160, a front section16b, and an intermediate section which, in the illustration, may beconsidered to be a rigid pseudo-belleader 32 of which, only, beingshown, and compressive processing means 34, the details of which arewell known in the art and not essential to an understanding of thepresent invention. The camera front 16b includes therewithinphotocell-controlled and transistorized shutter and diaphragm means (notshown), a lens (not shown), the lens-aperture bezel 36, thephotocell-aperture bezel 38, a flash-cube 40, a pivotal flash-diffusingplate 42, and a clip-on light-polarizing element 44 for linearlypolarizing the'light rays emanating from the flash-cube. The opticalaxis of this camera has been designated by the numeral 102 in FIG. 5 ofthe drawings.

Further referring to the back member 16a of FIG. 4, an elongated,open-faced recess 46, having an open end 46a and a closed extremity 46b,is formed within the rear surface thereof. In cameras of the typehereinbefore mentioned, this recessed area is normally employed to storea so-called cold clip or hinged plate element which, when removed, isused during cold environmental conditions to transfer heat from thephotographerbody to a film unit undergoing processing.

In FIG. 5, the recessed area 46, including, additionally, a spacer baror insert 48 to be described below, is shown in greater detail. Therecessed area includes a pair of channels 50 formed by the inner bearingsurfaces 50a, the outwardly projecting side surfaces 50b extending fromsurfaces 50a, and the outer bearing surfaces 50c extending from surfaces50b so as to overlie surfaces 50a. The channels, as thus described, areadapted to slideably receive and frictionally engage the plate member 24of the mounting stand.

As previously intimated, the present system is pointed toward theincorporation therewith of a relatively low-cost, readily availablecamera having a recessed area of the character described formed in itsback. More particularly, such a camera is exemplified by theaforementioned Colorpack II" and Colorpack 80 cameras produced byPolaroid Corporation. Each of these cameras includes a lens havingfocal-length characteristics similar to those of the the other.Additionally, the length and width of the recessed areas 46 of theColorpack 80 and Colorpack II" cameras are dimensionally the same.However, the back component of the Colorpack II" camera, which camerahas been designated by the numeral 200 in FIG. 5, is larger than that ofthe Colorpack 80 camera 16 and its optical axis 202 is positioned at adifferent location with respect to the lengthwise dimension of therecessed area 46 than the optical axis 102 of the Colorpack 80 camera 16is located lengthwise of its recessed area as shown in that Figure ofthe drawing. Accordingly, a full insertion of the mounting-stand plate24 in the Colorpack 80 camera recess would cause an off-center relationof the optical axis of the camera with respect to the framing-area 25.The plate 24 is configured such that, when the Colorpack II camera isfully seated thereon, its optical axis is positioned midway between thefeet 18a and 18b. However, the spacer element 48 is inserted within thechannels 50, as by the handle 48a, to provide a modified limit stopelement which reduces the depth of insertion of mounting-stand plate 24by an amount such as to insure that the optical axis-of the Colorpack80" camera is correctly centered with respect to the framing area 25.

With reference to the possible fields of use of the subject system, onesuch field which is considered of importance is the copying of materialcarried bya sheet of the standard European size designated A-4 whichmeasures approximately 8 Va X 10 inches. To accommodate thereto, amounting-stand having a longer pedestal and providing a larger subjectframing area, together with a supplemental close-up lens differing fromthe necessary for photographing the general run of subject material,would be required. A mountingstand having an adjustable pedestal, asdescribed, with a base providing the larger framing area is one solutionto the problem. A second method involves two separate rigidmounting-stands. The requirements, relative to either of the aforesaidcameras, may be met by either form of mounting-stand, both of which arecontemplated by the invention. Thus, the significant requirementsapplying to the larger framing area of 8 a X 10 Va inches are a pedestalproviding an overall height of the mountingstand of approximately 18 1%inches, a distance of the film plane to the photographic object ofapproximately 17 inches and a supplemental lens of +3.25 diopters; thoserelating to a smaller framing area of 5 X 5 34 inches, are a pedestalproviding an overall height of approximately 13 inches, a distance offilm plane to photographic object of approximately 13 inches and asupplemental close-up lens of +6.25 diopters.

A supplemental close-up lens 52, of either of the foregoing powers, anda mount 54 therefor are shown in FIG. 6a. The mount 54, appropriatelyformed of a plastic such as ASB," is adapted to be attached to the lensbezel 36 of the camera. An integral projecting tab or ear 56 has anaperture 58 formed therein. A pair of manually operable spring clips 60permit installation and release of mount 54. When a subject 12 isilluminated by incandescent light, only, the mount 54 is rotated so asto position the aperture 58 in front of the photocell aperture withinand behind the bezel 38, thus reducing the effective size of thephotocell aperture. A blue color-correction filter 62 is placed, also,in front of the lens when employing incandescent light.

A light polarizing filter 64, having an index mark 66 is positioned infront of the lens for flash photography, the mark 66 being aligned witha mark on the lens mount to insure that the polarizing orientationthereof is at 90 to that of the clip-on polarizing filter 44 in front ofthe flash-cube. The, function of the two polarizers is to reduce anyglare-producing rays which may be reflected from the subject. It will benoted that the polarizer 44 includes resilient projecting clip portions44a and 44b which are adapted to engage the diffusing element 42. Nofilters are required in daylight. In all instances, the distance settingof the camera is maintained at infinity, correct focus being provided,automatically by the appropriate supplemental lens in conjunction withthat of the camera. A control element for obtaining different exposuresettings for black-andwhite and color film is provided on the camerasabovedescribed commercially available film having speeds of 3,000 forblack-and-whit'e and for color being suitable for employment.

It will be understood that the subject invention may be modified incertain aspects without departing from the spirit or character thereof.The preferred embodiment described herein is, therefore, to be regardedas illustrative and not restrictive, the scope thereof being indicatedby the appended claims, and all variations which come within the meaningof the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:

I. Photographic close-up apparatus for use with a camera of the typehaving a channelled recess of a given width and length formed in andpart way along its back component, such channelled recess normally beingused to slidably receive a component employed in connection with filmprocessing operations, said apparatus comprising:

a base member;

an upright component extending from said base member;

an upper component including a plate-like member mounted from saidupright component to be disposed in horizontal alignment when saidapparatus is seated on its said base member, said plate-like memberbeing configured to be slidably engaged by such channelled recess tosuspend 'such camera from said apparatus with its optical axis disposedin vertical alignment for photographic operations.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 additionally including a bar-like memberconfigured to be slidably insertable into such channelled recess toreduce the extent to a between said parallel feet when said plate-likemember is fully seated in such channelled recess.

4. The invention of claim 1 additionally including a supplemental lensand means for removably' mounting said supplemental lens over theobjective lens of such camera, said supplemental lens being capable ofcooperating with such camera objectivelens to a form an image of asubject disposed in the plane of said. base member at the film plane ofsuch camera when such camera is mounted on said upper component.

5. Photographic close-up apparatus for use'with a camera of the typehaving a channelled recess of a given width and length formed in andpart way along its back component and including a photocell of a giveneffective area adjacent its objective lens, said apparatus comprising:

a base member;

an upright component;

an upper suspension component including'a platelike member positioned tobe disposed in horizontal alignment when said apparatus is seated on itssaid base, said plate-like mer nber being configured to be slidablyengaged by such channelled recess to position such camera on saidapparatus for photographic operations;

a supplemental lens; and I means for removably mounting saidsupplemental lens over such camera objective lens, said supplementallens being capable of cooperating with such camera objective lens toform an image of a subject disposed in the plane of said base member atthe film plane of such camera when such camera is mounted on said uppersuspension component, said supplemental lens mounting means serving torota'tably mount such supplemental lens over the camera objective lensand including an appendage having an aperture formed therethroughsmaller in area than such given effective area of such photocell wherebysaid mounting means may be selectively rotated to position said apertureover such photocell to reduce the actual effective area thereof.

6. Photographic close-up apparatus for use with two different types ofcameras, both types having channelled recesses of substantially the samegiven width and length formed in and part way along their backcomponents while the optical axis of one such camera is spaced a lesserdistance from the closed end of its such channelled recess than theoptical axis of the other of such cameras is spaced from the closed endof its such channelled recess, each such channelled recess normallybeing used to slidably receive a component employed in connection withfilm processing opera tions, said apparatus comprising:

a base member including a pair of spaced apart substantially parallelfeet;

an upright component extending from said base member;

an upper component including a plate-like member mounted from saidupright component to be disposed in horizontal alignment when saidapparatus is seated on its said base member, said plate-like memberbeing configured to be alternately slidably engaged by the channelledrecesses of such two types of cameras to fixedly suspend such camerasfrom said apparatus for photographic operations and to vertically alignthe optical axis of such one camera substantially midway between s'aidparallel feet when said plate-like member is fully seated in its suchchannelled recess; and

means for limiting the extent to which said plate-like member may beinserted into such channelled recess of such other camera to verticallyalign the optical axis of such other camera substantially midway betweensaid parallel feet when said limiting means, said plate-like member andsuch other camera are disposed in their normal operative relationship. 7

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said limiting means comprises abar-like element having a length substantially equivalent to saidgiven'width and a thickness facilitating its slidable insertion intosuch channelled recess of such other camera.

8. A photographic system comprising:

a camera having a channelled recess of a given width and length formedin and along its back component said channelled recess normally beingused to slidably receive a component employed in connection with filmprocessing operations; and

apparatus including:

a base member;

an upright component extending from said base member; and

an upper component including a plate-like member mounted from saidupright component to be disposed in horizontal alignment when saidapparatus is seated on its said base member, said plate-like memberbeing configured to be slidably engaged by said channelled recess tofixedly suspend said camera from said apparatus with its optical axisdisposed in vertical alignment for photographic operations.

9. A combined lens and mount therefor capable of supplementing the lensof a camera for altering its focal length, said combined lens and mountbeing adapted to be rotatably mounted on the bezel of such camera lensand comprising:

a lateral appendage integral with said supplementary lens mount; and

an aperture of given dimensions formed in said appendage, said aperturebeing superimposed with a photocell aperture of such camera of a giveneffective area located adjacent to such lens bezel thereof when saidlens mount is rotated and, said appendage aperture being smaller in areathan the given effective area of such photocell, thereby serving toreduce the actual effective area of the latter.

10. A close-up photographic system for photographing subject material atshort range, saidsystem comprising:

a camera including interconnected front and back sections;

a supplemental close-up lens and mounting means therefor cooperatingwith the lens of said camera;

means forming a rectangular recess in, and substantially encompassing,the rear surface of said back section so as to include open access meansat that end which is aligned with an edge of said back section and to beclosed at an opposite end by a portion of said back section, saidrectangular recess being normally used to slidably receive a componentemployed in connection with film processing operations;

means forming a pair of channels extending along the sides of saidrecess between said ends;

a mounting-stand including interconnected base,

upright and upper components, said upper component being in the form ofa generally flat, horizontally disposed plate-like member adapted 'to beslidably inserted within said open end of said recess and along saidpair of channels thereof to suspend said camera from said mounting-standwith its optical axis disposed in vertical alignment; and v limit stopmeans for determining the depth of insertion of said plate-like memberwithin said recess so as to correctly align the optical axis of saidcamera relative to a subject to be photographed.

11. A close-up photographic system, as defined in claim 10, wherein abar-like elementis provided for mounting transversely of said recess forshortening the length thereof to alter the depth of insertion of saidplate-like member where necessary for insuring the alignment of saidoptical axis with said subject.

12. A close-up photographic system, as defined in claim 11, which isadapted to operation with either of two cameras having relativelydifferent lengths of said I recess.

13. A close-up photographic system, as defined in claim 10, wherein saidbase component of said mounting-stand comprises a plurality ofdifferentially disposed feet defining therebetween a framing area withinwhich said subject material is positioned.

14. A close-up photographic system, as defined in claim 10, wherein saidupright component of said mounting-stand is in the form of a pluralityof sections which are variably adjustable for varying the height of saidupright component.

15. A close-up photographic system, as defined in claim 10, wherein areincluded a plurality of supp1emental lenses of relatively differentfocal lengths adapted to use with various heights of said mountingstandupright component.

16. A close-up photographic system, as defined in claim 10, wherein saidcamera is adapted to use color film and wherein a color correctionfilter is included for positioning in front of and releasable attachmentto said supplemental lens mounting means.

17. A close-up photographic system for photographing subject material atshort range, said system comprising:

a camera including interconnected front and back sections and aphotocell of a given effective area for controlling an exposure functionof said camera;

a supplemental close-up lens and mounting means therefor cooperatingwith the lens of said camera, said supplemental lens mounting meansincluding an extension thereof having an aperture formed therein ofsmaller area than the given effective area of said photocell and beingadapted to rotation for superimposing its said aperture with saidphotocell to reduce, in effect, the actual effective area of the latter;

means forming a rectangular recess in, and substantially encompassing,the rear surface of said back section so as to include open access meansat that end which is aligned with an edge of said back section and to beclosed at an opposite end by a portion of said back section;

means forming a pair of channels extending along the sides of saidrecess between said ends;

a mounting-stand including interconnected base member and upright andtop components, said top component being in the form of a generallyflat, horizontally disposed plate-like member adapted to be slidablyinserted within said open end of said recess and along said pair ofchannels thereof whereby said camera depends from said plate-likemember; and 7 limit stop means for determining the depth of insertion ofsaid plate-like member within said recess so as to correctly align theoptical axis of said camera relative to a subject to be photographed.

18. A close-up photographic system for photographing subject material atshort range, said system comprising:

a camera including interconnected front and back sections;

a supplemental close-up lens and mounting means therefor cooperatingwith the lens of said camera;

flash means incorporated with said camera front section, said flashmeans including means for mounting a flash-cube, a light diffusing platepositionable in front of such flash-cube, a first resilient linear lightpolarizer having a given orientation adapted to be clipped to saidlight-diffusing plate, and a second linear light polarizer having anorientation orthogonal to that of said first light polarizer adapted tobe positioned in front of said camera lens;

means forming a'rectangular recess in, and substantially encompassing,the rear surface of said back section so as to include open access meansat that end which is aligned with an edge of said back section and to beclosed at an opposite end by a por- 7 tion of said back section;

means forming a pair of channels extending along the sides of saidrecess between said ends;

a mounting-stand including interconnected base member and upright andtop components, said top component being in the form of a generallyfiat,

horizontally disposed plate-like member adapted to be slidably insertedwithin said open end of said recess and along said pair of channelsthereof whereby said camera depends from said plate-like member; and

limit stop means for determining the depth of insertion of saidplate-like member within said recess so as to correctly align theoptical axis of said camera relative to a subject to be photographed.

19. A mounting-stand for suspending a close-up camera above an areawithin which an object to be photographed islocated, said mounting-standcomprising in interconnected relation:

a base member;

an upright component extending from said base 10 member;

an upper component mounted from said upright component to engage alaterally disposed channelled slot formed within the back of suchcamera, such .channelled slot normally being used to slidably receive acomponent employed in connection with film processing operations, saidupper component comprising a horizontally disposed plate-like memberwhich is insertable within such camera slot to suspend such camera fromsaid apparatus with its optical axis. disposed in vertical alignment forphotographic operations.

20. A mounting-stand, as defined in claim 19, wherein is includedsupplementary thereto and for the purpose of aligning the optical axisof such camera, a bar-like element of given dimensions which may beinserted transversely of such slot of the camera to limit the-depth towhich said plate-like member can be inserted therein.

21. A mounting-stand, as defined in claim 19, wherein said base membercomprises a plurality of relatively angularly disposed feet definingtherebetween an area for positioning subject material to bephotographed.

22. A mounting-stand, as defined in claim 19, wherein said base memberand said upright and suspension components are in the form of rigidfixedly interconnected metallic appendages.

23. A mounting-stand, as defined in claim 19, wherein said uprightcomponent is in. the form of a plurality of telescoping parts andwherein there is included detent means for variably positioning andholding said parts relative to one another to alter the effective heightof said upright component.

1. Photographic close-up apparatus for use with a camera of the typehaving a channelled recess of a given width and length formed in andpart way along its back component, such channelled recess normally beingused to slidably receive a component employed in connection with filmprocessing operations, said apparatus comprising: a base member; anupright component extendIng from said base member; an upper componentincluding a plate-like member mounted from said upright component to bedisposed in horizontal alignment when said apparatus is seated on itssaid base member, said plate-like member being configured to be slidablyengaged by such channelled recess to suspend such camera from saidapparatus with its optical axis disposed in vertical alignment forphotographic operations.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 additionallyincluding a bar-like member configured to be slidably insertable intosuch channelled recess to reduce the extent to which said plate-likemember may be inserted into such channelled recess.
 3. The invention ofclaim 1 wherein said base member comprises a pair of substantiallyparallel feet spaced apart a distance substantially defining the extentof the area to be photographically reproduced by such camera and whereinsaid plate-like member is further configured, and said base member, saidupright component and said upper component arranged to position theoptical axis of such camera midway between said parallel feet when saidplate-like member is fully seated in such channelled recess.
 4. Theinvention of claim 1 additionally including a supplemental lens andmeans for removably mounting said supplemental lens over the objectivelens of such camera, said supplemental lens being capable of cooperatingwith such camera objective lens to a form an image of a subject disposedin the plane of said base member at the film plane of such camera whensuch camera is mounted on said upper component.
 5. Photographic close-upapparatus for use with a camera of the type having a channelled recessof a given width and length formed in and part way along its backcomponent and including a photocell of a given effective area adjacentits objective lens, said apparatus comprising: a base member; an uprightcomponent; an upper suspension component including a plate-like memberpositioned to be disposed in horizontal alignment when said apparatus isseated on its said base, said plate-like member being configured to beslidably engaged by such channelled recess to position such camera onsaid apparatus for photographic operations; a supplemental lens; andmeans for removably mounting said supplemental lens over such cameraobjective lens, said supplemental lens being capable of cooperating withsuch camera objective lens to form an image of a subject disposed in theplane of said base member at the film plane of such camera when suchcamera is mounted on said upper suspension component, said supplementallens mounting means serving to rotatably mount such supplemental lensover the camera objective lens and including an appendage having anaperture formed therethrough smaller in area than such given effectivearea of such photocell whereby said mounting means may be selectivelyrotated to position said aperture over such photocell to reduce theactual effective area thereof.
 6. Photographic close-up apparatus foruse with two different types of cameras, both types having channelledrecesses of substantially the same given width and length formed in andpart way along their back components while the optical axis of one suchcamera is spaced a lesser distance from the closed end of its suchchannelled recess than the optical axis of the other of such cameras isspaced from the closed end of its such channelled recess, each suchchannelled recess normally being used to slidably receive a componentemployed in connection with film processing operations, said apparatuscomprising: a base member including a pair of spaced apart substantiallyparallel feet; an upright component extending from said base member; anupper component including a plate-like member mounted from said uprightcomponent to be disposed in horizontal alignment when said apparatus isseated on its said base member, said plate-like member being configuredto be alternately slidably engaged by the channelled recesses of suchtWo types of cameras to fixedly suspend such cameras from said apparatusfor photographic operations and to vertically align the optical axis ofsuch one camera substantially midway between said parallel feet whensaid plate-like member is fully seated in its such channelled recess;and means for limiting the extent to which said plate-like member may beinserted into such channelled recess of such other camera to verticallyalign the optical axis of such other camera substantially midway betweensaid parallel feet when said limiting means, said plate-like member andsuch other camera are disposed in their normal operative relationship.7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said limiting means comprises abar-like element having a length substantially equivalent to said givenwidth and a thickness facilitating its slidable insertion into suchchannelled recess of such other camera.
 8. A photographic systemcomprising: a camera having a channelled recess of a given width andlength formed in and along its back component, said channelled recessnormally being used to slidably receive a component employed inconnection with film processing operations; and apparatus including: abase member; an upright component extending from said base member; andan upper component including a plate-like member mounted from saidupright component to be disposed in horizontal alignment when saidapparatus is seated on its said base member, said plate-like memberbeing configured to be slidably engaged by said channelled recess tofixedly suspend said camera from said apparatus with its optical axisdisposed in vertical alignment for photographic operations.
 9. Acombined lens and mount therefor capable of supplementing the lens of acamera for altering its focal length, said combined lens and mount beingadapted to be rotatably mounted on the bezel of such camera lens andcomprising: a lateral appendage integral with said supplementary lensmount; and an aperture of given dimensions formed in said appendage,said aperture being superimposed with a photocell aperture of suchcamera of a given effective area located adjacent to such lens bezelthereof when said lens mount is rotated and, said appendage aperturebeing smaller in area than the given effective area of such photocell,thereby serving to reduce the actual effective area of the latter.
 10. Aclose-up photographic system for photographing subject material at shortrange, said system comprising: a camera including interconnected frontand back sections; a supplemental close-up lens and mounting meanstherefor cooperating with the lens of said camera; means forming arectangular recess in, and substantially encompassing, the rear surfaceof said back section so as to include open access means at that endwhich is aligned with an edge of said back section and to be closed atan opposite end by a portion of said back section, said rectangularrecess being normally used to slidably receive a component employed inconnection with film processing operations; means forming a pair ofchannels extending along the sides of said recess between said ends; amounting-stand including interconnected base, upright and uppercomponents, said upper component being in the form of a generally flat,horizontally disposed plate-like member adapted to be slidably insertedwithin said open end of said recess and along said pair of channelsthereof to suspend said camera from said mounting-stand with its opticalaxis disposed in vertical alignment; and limit stop means fordetermining the depth of insertion of said plate-like member within saidrecess so as to correctly align the optical axis of said camera relativeto a subject to be photographed.
 11. A close-up photographic system, asdefined in claim 10, wherein a bar-like element is provided for mountingtransversely of said recess for shortening the length thereof to alterthe depth of insertion of said plate-like member where necessary forinsuring the alignment of said optical axis with said subject.
 12. Aclose-up photographic system, as defined in claim 11, which is adaptedto operation with either of two cameras having relatively differentlengths of said recess.
 13. A close-up photographic system, as definedin claim 10, wherein said base component of said mounting-standcomprises a plurality of differentially disposed feet definingtherebetween a framing area within which said subject material ispositioned.
 14. A close-up photographic system, as defined in claim 10,wherein said upright component of said mounting-stand is in the form ofa plurality of sections which are variably adjustable for varying theheight of said upright component.
 15. A close-up photographic system, asdefined in claim 10, wherein are included a plurality of supplementallenses of relatively different focal lengths adapted to use with variousheights of said mounting-stand upright component.
 16. A close-upphotographic system, as defined in claim 10, wherein said camera isadapted to use color film and wherein a color correction filter isincluded for positioning in front of and releasable attachment to saidsupplemental lens mounting means.
 17. A close-up photographic system forphotographing subject material at short range, said system comprising: acamera including interconnected front and back sections and a photocellof a given effective area for controlling an exposure function of saidcamera; a supplemental close-up lens and mounting means thereforcooperating with the lens of said camera, said supplemental lensmounting means including an extension thereof having an aperture formedtherein of smaller area than the given effective area of said photocelland being adapted to rotation for superimposing its said aperture withsaid photocell to reduce, in effect, the actual effective area of thelatter; means forming a rectangular recess in, and substantiallyencompassing, the rear surface of said back section so as to includeopen access means at that end which is aligned with an edge of said backsection and to be closed at an opposite end by a portion of said backsection; means forming a pair of channels extending along the sides ofsaid recess between said ends; a mounting-stand including interconnectedbase member and upright and top components, said top component being inthe form of a generally flat, horizontally disposed plate-like memberadapted to be slidably inserted within said open end of said recess andalong said pair of channels thereof whereby said camera depends fromsaid plate-like member; and limit stop means for determining the depthof insertion of said plate-like member within said recess so as tocorrectly align the optical axis of said camera relative to a subject tobe photographed.
 18. A close-up photographic system for photographingsubject material at short range, said system comprising: a cameraincluding interconnected front and back sections; a supplementalclose-up lens and mounting means therefor cooperating with the lens ofsaid camera; flash means incorporated with said camera front section,said flash means including means for mounting a flash-cube, a lightdiffusing plate positionable in front of such flash-cube, a firstresilient linear light polarizer having a given orientation adapted tobe clipped to said light-diffusing plate, and a second linear lightpolarizer having an orientation orthogonal to that of said first lightpolarizer adapted to be positioned in front of said camera lens; meansforming a rectangular recess in, and substantially encompassing, therear surface of said back section so as to include open access means atthat end which is aligned with an edge of said back section and to beclosed at an opposite end by a portion of said back section; meansforming a pair of channels extending along the sides of said recessbetween said ends; a mounting-stand including interconnected base memberand uPright and top components, said top component being in the form ofa generally flat, horizontally disposed plate-like member adapted to beslidably inserted within said open end of said recess and along saidpair of channels thereof whereby said camera depends from saidplate-like member; and limit stop means for determining the depth ofinsertion of said plate-like member within said recess so as tocorrectly align the optical axis of said camera relative to a subject tobe photographed.
 19. A mounting-stand for suspending a close-up cameraabove an area within which an object to be photographed is located, saidmounting-stand comprising in interconnected relation: a base member; anupright component extending from said base member; an upper componentmounted from said upright component to engage a laterally disposedchannelled slot formed within the back of such camera, such channelledslot normally being used to slidably receive a component employed inconnection with film processing operations, said upper componentcomprising a horizontally disposed plate-like member which is insertablewithin such camera slot to suspend such camera from said apparatus withits optical axis disposed in vertical alignment for photographicoperations.
 20. A mounting-stand, as defined in claim 19, wherein isincluded supplementary thereto and for the purpose of aligning theoptical axis of such camera, a bar-like element of given dimensionswhich may be inserted transversely of such slot of the camera to limitthe depth to which said plate-like member can be inserted therein.
 21. Amounting-stand, as defined in claim 19, wherein said base membercomprises a plurality of relatively angularly disposed feet definingtherebetween an area for positioning subject material to bephotographed.
 22. A mounting-stand, as defined in claim 19, wherein saidbase member and said upright and suspension components are in the formof rigid fixedly interconnected metallic appendages.
 23. Amounting-stand, as defined in claim 19, wherein said upright componentis in the form of a plurality of telescoping parts and wherein there isincluded detent means for variably positioning and holding said partsrelative to one another to alter the effective height of said uprightcomponent.